EIGHT WORDS PER LINE, JULY 1-31, 2024
"Aesthetics matter, next to how the inner
person does,
And so we appreciate kindness together with a
pleasant disposition.
But face and body only reveal what one inside
has,
And beauty is relative, depending on how we
respond to any situation.
Thankfully, our Savior is our ultimate example
of true beauty--
That it is a life lived for others, in
kindness and respect,
Looking ordinary and commonplace, yet full of
substance, quality, humanity,
Doing and giving beyond what we normally
expect.
It only bears repeating then, to follow in His
path,
To a life truly beautiful, blessed, meaningful
and at peace.
Understand and know more, be patient, avoid
wrath,
Looking at life in the bigger picture, not
griping or complaining at each unsatisfactory piece."
"One of life's most profound truths is
realizing
That life has meaning, and we're not meant for
nothing.
That there is inside each of us a gift,
And we have a divine purpose, not live adrift.
And so with such grace, it's our task
To pay forward, confident of answers when we
ask
For wisdom, strength, healing, provision,
safety and guidance,
As through life's various challenges we
advance.
May we not waste such blessing and walk the
way
That is right and true, patient and stay
In the path of humility and service, holding
on
In hope, with our Father's light and love
carrying on."
"What motivates us is seen in our
actions,
What rules our minds manifests in our speech.
Such is the way of life, in all situations,
However much we try to hide, we teach.
Because walking, a locomotor skill, is a
symptom of brain development--
In babies, and determines greatly their
ability to speak.
Likewise, what we do and say are a testament,
Of minds strengthened in the faith, or are
actually immature and weak.
May we strive to walk the narrow and straight
Path--to wisdom, enlightenment, understanding,
holy reverence with respect.
That our faith and reason bear fruit, have
weight,
And produce for us the eternal rewards we
expect."
"Scientists have learned that music heals
the body,
In helping it relax, improve metabolism and
functioning.
The Word narrates its power to heal malady,
Like the then-shepherd David's, to a troubled
king.
So too, the power of music can't be denied,
In alleviating the weary soul, the tired mind.
That we might listen to what's good, tested
and tried,
And let go of anxieties, leaving our fears
behind.
May we atune each moment to a good song,
To what's wholesome, praiseworthy of our
Creator and King.
Because from Him, love pours out on all who
come along,
An invitation open and free, to abundance and
healthy living."
"The disciple whom Jesus loves said it
best,
Everything is all about love, living its
power.
Whatever we do, improving ourselves,
respecting the rest,
It is love that leaves a legacy lasting
forever.
And through all our difficulties and doubts,
love
It is that gives light, drives our fears.
We need not be anxious, there's grace from
above,
Joy awaits, confidence and hope amidst our
tears.
May we learn to love--our God, and others as
ourselves,
May we learn to live the love we have been
given.
For no matter how small, in whatever our
interest delves,
It will be love that awaits us in the
end."
"In our hyper-connected world, it's been
graver,
One fault is magnified, undoing a lifetime of
good,
An indiscretion, error, misjudgement,
destroying reputations forever,
Fame and status not lasting as it should.
But thankfully we are given a wisdom-source,
That doesn't run out, constantly reminding us
daily,
To be mindful, prayerful, respectful, part of
the good force,
That brings hope and light, while striving to
live faithfully.
May we always be sensitive to all that's
happening,
Unleash our introversion skills in deliberate
living and mindfulness,
That together we bring more inspiration and
meaning,
For all, be instruments of love, peace, joy
and happiness."
"With people, trust is always an issue,
Because we often only promote what's good for
us,
Regardless of what's better for me and you,
What's true, noble, kind, what truly came to
pass.
Thankfully not with our Heavenly Father,
Who promised never to forsake, forget nor
abandon.
So that we only need to be better,
Respectful of life and people, decently
living, not wanton.
May we never give up on faith and hope
In His never-ending mercy and grace.
That through difficulty, confusion, delay or
silence, we still cope,
We gain confidence and peace all our
days."
"One notable word we learned before is
comeuppance,
Seeing the bullies of our youth have their day
of reckoning.
But we all experience this as our days
advance,
After living the life, we are actually left
with nothing.
No companion, no title, wealth, status or
name,
Save the character we have built, preceding
and following
Our every action, exposing whatever is our
claim to fame,
And making us realize we are a mere mortal
being.
May we build everyday, a close relationship
with our Creator and Father,
From whom life came, to whom our spirits will
return.
Remembering we can bring nothing in the
ultimate ever after,
Living each day always striving to just make
peace and a good turn."
"Some like to celebrate so much, they
stay
For the after-party, after the main event.
In life too, though achievements are
highlighted by many,
It's what comes after that creates a mark or
dent.
For we might glorify wealth, status, energy,
youth and fame,
But the true cause for celebration is the
effect
We have on people's lives, how we live up to
the Name
Who called us His people, whose favor we daily
expect.
May we always live in reverence, respect and
holy fear,
Do our best to meet evil and disrespect with
good.
Speak honestly and well, that people may hear
The love of our father, His gospel lived in us
as it should."
"They're called busybodies, we say nobody
likes them,
But they are us often, in many ways than one.
It's just that not showing our care is our
anthem,
Not wanting to burden ourselves with problems
more than anyone.
But many lives have been saved by concerned
citizens,
Many a day made better by those with enough
care,
Sanity, peace, truth and right upheld by brave
denizens,
And the kingdom's gospel forwarded by those
who dare.
May we live the words of our Lord and Savior,
And be everyday doing what He would do in any
situation.
Feeling, empathizing, understanding, filling
our world with His flavor,
Our thoughts and motives honed and aligned,
for godly action."
"In a recently concluded sports meet
hosted by the city,
It's exciting to update especially the medal
tally.
Some early favorites may not get the ultimate
victory,
Because the final victor is one who did
consistently.
On a larger and more eternal stage, we
remember
The Words of our Savior calling out,
That some who came first may eventually come
last, they falter,
While those who came last may come first, from
holding out.
And so we realize aside from substance and
consistency,
It's our daily motivation, words, actions that
are key,
To spreading the gospel, living the kingdom in
our current physical city,
That will ultimately determine where we spend
our eternity."
"Against the backdrop of integrity, which
is today's webinar theme,
We learn to look at the Word's bigger picture,
For what happens in the heart, translates into
the academe,
Where students' words and actions are results
of nature and nurture.
And indeed, in real life, this happens
everyday too,
A person bred in dishonesty grows up taking
shortcuts,
Lying, taking advantage, usurping, greed and
pride trumping over virtue,
Justifying primogeniture, legitimacy, race,
color or connection, taking the shots.
May we truly be humane, not just human,
And live honest lives, working diligently by
the sweat of our brow.
Not dependent on others, but whom others can
depend upon,
Not wasting each moment, honest, living in
integrity here and now."
"It's easy to condemn what we don't
understand,
Easy to ridicule those who do things
differently,
Harder to see the damage done by our hand,
The pain and suffering our tongues have
uttered abundantly.
But herein is the real test of what we
believe,
If we can follow the way of our Savior,
To call out truth, condemn hypocrisy, yet
unselfishly give
Love, discipline, reminder, reprimand, passion
and grace with equal fervor.
May we be part of His rivers of living water,
And everyday live the peace, wisdom and joy He
has given.
That we might discern the truth in any matter,
And on earth, share in His work, making it a
slice of heaven."
"In a misogynistic and less informed
society,
Being alone and independent is often vilified.
But if we are to dig deeper into our humanity,
We realize striving through life solo should
be glorified.
Looking into our great Saviour's example, we
indeed see,
He was alone at death's and resurrection's
door, absent human companions,
That we might realize being alone is being
open to be
Blessed more, recipients of heavenly grace in
all situations.
May we learn to be content, find strength in
the journey,
Confident that whatever lies ahead, we are
secured.
In our Heavenly Father's care, not wanting for
any,
All our needs provided, the answers to our
prayers ensured."
"I've known of not less than one,
Who is afraid of growing old alone.
Who makes sure their days are always done
With people around, always present a
significant companion.
But isn't life reckoned individually, our
actions counted,
Motivations, desires, thoughts and struggles,
our sole responsibility,
So that the sooner we bloom independently
where planted,
Life becomes better for us, with abundance, in
quality.
May we learn to trust until old age,
In a God who says He will not forsake,
Nor abandon, but always go through the passage
Of time with us, our souls His alone to
take."
"There was a time before social media
won,
When final achievements were celebrated rather
than efforts,
Where the result of honest, godly process is
pondered upon,
More than each little task, the
behind-the-scene supports.
It's good to acknowledge hard work and
hurdles,
But it's more encouraging to highlight the
ultimate end.
For we all, without exception, must work
through our troubles,
Yet, life rewards only those who persevere
without breaking, even if they bend.
May we learn to always hold on in hope,
persist, stand
Our ground, be strong and of good courage.
Have faith, be honest and fair, working
diligently by hand,
That we may live each day with love, wisdom
and good knowledge."
"We've been told a prayerful person is
powerful,
Unfortunately, far too many have abused that
power too.
Going back to the Epistles, for clarity, we're
thankful,
Reading that it should breed attitude that's
true.
For indeed, prayer is only effective with pure
motives,
Unselfish, not vain, not greedy, envious nor
insecure,
But humble, understanding, patient, with grace
that peace and love gives,
One that's not exclusive but sees and manages
the bigger picture.
May we always pray, be thankful, be kind,
Respectful of all, mindful, considerate,
patient and persevering.
Our Saviour's words we always keep in mind,
That we might be ready, unashamed at His
future appearing."
"One trait I observe virtually unique in
our people,
Is to smile when we see whatever camera,
Pointed on us or not, doesn't matter, we're
still able,
To brighten our day and others, in whatever
area.
A Smile indeed, is an ultimate peace gesture,
Telling others we recognize them, respect
their humanity,
Knowing we each have our needs of whatever
nature,
Yet, we afford time to recognize universal
solidarity.
May our lives be defined not by confusion,
chaos, terror, prejudice,
But by the peace, enlightenment, and hope we
bring.
For then our characters would be built in
bravery, not cowardice,
Our Heavenly Father's love penetrating the
very core of our being."
"Business school has taught us to manage
well--
People, resources, tasks and processes, risk,
time and opportunities.
And we learn managing people is first, not
show nor tell
About profits nor size, unless we're able to
harness their best abilities.
In life, we learn, it's not our agenda that
should rule,
But fulfilling our heavenly mission to be
responsible stewards
Of life and creation; be aware not be a fool,
Work diligently, sans recognition, human
validation, praises and awards.
For soon a day will come for our reckoning,
Not primarily a condemnation of our enemies
and our life's outsiders,
But all our actions and motivations get their
"weighing-in",
Our lives balanced, each moment the Great
Judge considers."
"It's easy these days to find fault in
others,
Easier than finding fault in our own,
Where people think they are such experts in
many matters,
That they are little gods and goddessses, each
pedestalled in their little throne.
But such is not the way of peace and the
kingdom,
For we must need to deny ourselves, serve in
humility,
While alive, and until the great day of
reckoning come,
Each day to give the best of our ability.
May we prove ourselves good stewards of life
and creation,
Be responsible, accountable of our own affairs
and needs.
That we might contribute fruitfully in any
situation,
In wisdom guided by our Father's love and
mercy, wherever He leads. "
"If we could only look back to where
we've been,
We would feel more grateful where we are now.
If we only realize how great the grace we've
been given,
Our attitudes would have been more humble
somehow.
For no one who's truly aware of one's
blessings,
Could afford to act entitled, privileged,
superior and rude.
Knowing well that each of us have our issues
and happenings,
That respect is key, giving space,
understanding as we are understood.
May we learn to respect other people's
beliefs, opinions, preferences,
Not force them to subscribe or be subservient
to our own.
For we must be God's people, promoting peace
in all circumstances,
Always reconciled with Him, as for our
shortcomings, pride and ignorance we atone."
"In a world that prizes aesthetics and
quick fixes,
Where visuals are respected more than real
substance,
We realize that humility and truth are not
valued mixes,
But instead of good, evil and greed advance.
Such is unhealthy though, unworthy,
unsustainable, ways unbecoming,
For people who dream and aim to get better.
For the outside must match what's inside,
consistent in everything,
Truth, love, wisdom and peace ruling in
whatever matter.
May we be people with substance, values and
ways aligned
With our Creator' will, in us and all
creation,
That His Name and Spirit breathed on us be not
maligned,
That we may truly live as His children and
holy nation."
"There's nothing quite as frustrating as
clickbait,
Enticing one to follow, read, yet only for
clout,
For there's no real substance, sometimes
feeding only hate,
Casting prejudice and fear, falsity and doubt.
Unfortunately, sometimes, some people are like
that too,
Promising acceptance, togetherness and group
identity and belonging.
But are only after one's purse, free service
and favors, who
When questions, curiosities, Accounting come,
leave one hanging.
May we not be people who leave others in the
dust,
And be sincere, truthful, humble, real,
transparent even.
Live free from envy, greed, vanity as we must,
That we might be life's salt and light, not
pompous leaven."
"When we truly have it inside of us,
We have to show and share it with the world.
God's love, mercy, grace, peace, hope that
lasts,
Confidence, generosity and abundance bringing
forth fruit a hundred fold.
For a life full of love can never be
constrained,
Nor limited only to nuclear ties, nor to
selves focused first.
It will always share, giving much always
maintained,
Bringing fullness to hunger, satisfaction to
spiritual thirst.
May we be streams that flow with our God's
living water,
Always ready to pray, love, and understand.
Not quick to judge, but wise to discern any
matter,
And always ready to serve and share with an
open hand."
"We never know what truly hurts us,
Until we're neck deep, struggling to get out.
Just like trusting what's wrong in the past,
We never learn sometimes until we're knocked
down and out.
Thankfully, we are given the chance everyday,
To wake up, make it, persevere, move on.
Our experiences becoming all good learning
anyway,
A stepping stone to greatness we must tread
upon.
May we not give up hope, open to learning,
That through exhaustion and disillusionment,
we still make it,
Believing and hoping there's a value to
everything,
Until the reward our Master someday gives as
He deems fit."
"Godliness, like cleanliness, is indeed a
daily struggle,
Sometimes far above our normal human capacity.
So that sometimes we can't keep out of
trouble,
Offending, coming up short with our limited
ability.
But thankfully we have a Heavenly Father who
understands,
Whom some Jewish scholars say also learn from
our pains,
Who secures us in His mighty, righteous hands,
Whose mercy everyday, strengthens and
sustains.
May we continue to hold on in faith and hope,
Not give up even if the way is difficult and
long.
For our reward surely awaits at the last and
highest slope,
And soon, our tears and cries turn to joy and
happy song."
"It takes faith, but indeed so uplifting,
To believe that in our ups and downs,
Our God is there, guiding, providing,
disciplining, inspiring,
Giving joy, that we can smile amidst our
frowns.
For a life when we can feel accompanied,
Supported, having Someone behind and beside as
we strive,
Is never lonely, giving us the confidence we
need,
Motivating us everyday, making us feel alive.
May we make our lives bear fruit in goodness,
As we humble ourselves before our Creator and
true King.
Believing that peace is the key to happiness,
Generosity and graciousness turning our every
struggle into a blessing."
"We can only go as far as we can,
With the will and support of those who love
us.
For what good is it to do all by hand,
With nobody to whom we attribute the efforts
when we pass.
Yet, thankfully, we have a Creator and Father
in one,
Who planned that life should always get
better.
Who encourages us to persevere and stand,
To see through difficulties of whatever
matter.
May we always be inspired to rise above,
Though attacked, abused, maligned, as our
accuser persists,
Knowing nothing is greater than our Heavenly
Father's love,
That holds us up, as long as life
exists."
"People rightly argue it's not the degree
or license,
But what you do that makes and marks you.
Indeed, it's not what you profess but the
essence
Of your person are what others see and hear
from you.
Because the Word, like creation, teaches us a
wise and loving Father,
Who provides and guides, disciplines and sets
in order,
Who we can call upon in any situation,
And who delivers us when life's difficulties
throw us under.
May we make His Word truly come alive,
In our every thought and motivation, word, and
action.
That His goodness and glory be seen as we
struggle and strive,
As we live each day, His people of peace, a
holy nation."
"Life is but a journey, so soon ended,
As we came, so we depart, bringing nothing.
So that living well means staying grounded,
True to better ideals, not attached to
anything.
And everyday we are reminded of the
impermanence
Of ties, statuses, health, emotions, wealth
and fame,
That we may remember to give respect and
reverence,
To God and each other, becoming worthy of
calling His Name.
May we always remember that time is short, our
chances limited,
Not to waste any moment to envy, greed,
resentment and regret.
Because from our Heavenly Father, grace and
mercy to us are always granted,
And of His love and favor, may we never
forget."
"Slavery was wrong and bad in the ancient
times,
Because they take away the dignity of a human
being.
Modern slavery is worse and deplorable, in our
times,
When for wealth and status, we forego the
freedom of peaceful living.
And so we must make use of the gifts bestowed
Upon us, to understand, give, give way, bring
peace.
That we might share the same love we have been
showed,
By our Savior and Lord, the Prince of Peace.
May we make each day a day of freedom for the
soul,
Bring hope and life to people all around.
That our growth and maturity as God's people
become whole,
Hearts humbled, attuned heaven-ward, feet
firmly on the ground."
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